NANS Distances Self From #FreeNnamdiKanu Protests

*Cautions Youths Against Being Used By Selfish Politicians 

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has distanced itself from the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest being organized by presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore. 

A statement, last week, purportedly from NANS, said the student union body resolved to back the protest. The statement said the decision was reached at a recent national executive meeting of NANS, which reaffirmed the association’s “commitment to peaceful advocacy for justice and democratic accountability.”

However, addressing the media in Abuja, NANS president, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, dismissed the report, saying the report was fabricated to create the false impression that the protest had the support of NANS. The national body of students cautioned their members against bring used by politicians they called “desperate.”

“We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that NANS is not, and will not be, part of any protest organized or influenced by Omoyele Sowore or any other politically-motivated group or individual. The entire claim is false, mischievous, and designed to drag the name of our noble Association into political controversies that do not align with our mandate as a student body,” said the student body. 

As the umbrella body representing all Nigerian students both home and abroad, NANS believes strongly in the rule of law, due process, and peaceful engagement. We understand that the matter concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a legal issue currently before a competent court of law, and it would therefore be inappropriate, unlawful, and irresponsible for NANS to take a partisan position or mobilize any form of protest on a matter before the judiciary.

“Whatever Mr. Sowore and his group are planning or doing is for their own political interest and has absolutely nothing to do with NANS. We advise him and his co-travelers to stop using the name of NANS to give credibility to their politically driven agenda. Our focus as a responsible students’ organization remains on education, youth development, peace, and national unity Not partisian agitation,” said Comrade Oladoja”

We also urge the general public, the media, and security agencies to disregard any publication or message claiming that NANS is mobilizing for a protest related to Nnamdi Kanu or any other politically motivated cause. Our focus is on constructive engagements, peaceful advocacy, and developmental initiatives that will contribute meaningfully to the progress of our education system and the future of Nigerian youth,” he added. 

“NANS remains a united, law-abiding, and patriotic association committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria. We will continue to champion the interests of students through dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders  not through chaos or politically induced protests, ” he concluded.